Meet Tina Ramaci: Founder of Tiny Knot Co.
We want to know about you! Tell us about your background.
I am Tina Ramaci, a proud mother, designer, product development expert and entrepreneur from Long Island, NY. As the eldest child in my family, I was born to Polish immigrants who came to the United States in 1987 with just a dollar and a dream. My parents' divorce at a young age instilled in me a sense of self-reliance and independence, and my mother raised me to never depend on anyone financially. This has motivated me to strive for excellence in my career. In 2011, I graduated from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, and since then, I have worked for numerous well-known brands in the fashion industry. I started by designing fashion accessories for Walmart, HSN, and QVC, working my way up the corporate ladder. In 2019, I landed the position of Director of Design and Merchandising for a headwear company that held various licenses like Disney, Marvel, and WB. During my career, I have traveled extensively, including Asia, where I worked directly with factories for product development and production. My experience working for entrepreneurs as their right-hand product designer made me realize that I, too, aspire to be an entrepreneur someday. Currently, I am married and have a 3-year-old daughter. My journey into motherhood was not without its challenges, and I suffered from severe postpartum anxiety. However, this experience has only made me a more motivated and driven entrepreneur. I am proud of my roots and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I continue to work towards realizing my dreams while inspiring others to do the same.
Tell us about your business! Give us your 30-second pitch
Tiny Knot Co. is a mama-owned and operated baby brand that is changing the game when it comes to baby apparel and accessories. Our TENCEL Modal baby pajamas are not only soft and durable, but also sustainable. They are designed with extra length for room to grow and are convertible. They feature fold over mittens, fold over footies with grippers, two-way zippers for easy diaper changes and are CPSC compliant without the use of fire-retardant chemicals. All prints and patterns are drawn by moms. Our fabrics are stretchy, comfortable, breathable and durable. Our patent-pending headband design eliminates the problem of uncomfortable imprints and marks. For every item sold, we donate a portion of our profit to No Kid Hungry to help fight childhood hunger. Each item purchased provides 10 meals. Tiny Knot Co. focuses on the comfort of your baby, the convenience of parents, protecting our planet and giving back to the community. Tiny clothes, BIG impact.
What made you decide to start a business?
As a new mom battling postpartum anxiety and struggling with the thought of returning to a toxic work environment, I realized I needed a change. That's when I channeled that negative energy into something positive and came up with the concept for Tiny Knot Co. Our brand started as a baby headwear company, born out of my frustration with finding bows that wouldn't leave marks or irritate my daughter's sensitive skin. It was a personal mission that quickly turned into a business idea. With the support of my loved ones, I brought the concept to life and here we are today.
What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?
Start lean in every way and focus on seeing if your product/service sells first. This way, you can easily pivot without sitting on a lot of inventory.
What has been the most challenging part of running a business?
Being a one woman show and learning everything about everything from accounting to shipping logistics!
What about your business makes you most excited? What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
For every item purchased, we are able to provide 10 meals to children facing hunger in the United States. To date, we have raised enough to provide over 10,000 meals.
What is a common misconception about your work?
That it's all success and glamour when in reality, its paired with hurdles, stress and chaos.
What podcasts are you listening to?
Crime Junkie & The Small Business Big Marketing Podcast
What is your guilty pleasure?
That would have to be reality TV shows!
How can we follow you?
Want to Be Featured Too?
Thanks so much, Tina, for sharing your story! Want to share yours as well? Feel free to reach out! We’d love to meet you.